Headwear makes a comeback

[matt_im]

Thinking of which, one of my greatest hat desires is a stingy homburg as was somewhat popular in the 20's. Basically the things that look like a creased bowler.

When I have a real job and money I'll get one from art I guess...

Love Homburgs!

 

[Feraud]

Thinking of which, one of my greatest hat desires is a stingy homburg as was somewhat popular in the 20's. Basically the things that look like a creased bowler.

I had a near perfect proportion vintage homburg that I picked up for a song at a costume company close-out. It had a narrow curled brim and a nice crown shape. Unfortunately it was a bit small for me and I had to sell it. :eusa_doh:
Eventually I hope to find something similar.

 

[matt_im]

Unlucky Feraud.

I was thinking about this the other day. Obviously the internet has a wealth of online-shop sites and no doubt there are many that specialise in vintage hats and other specialist attire. But is it worth taking the risk of buying on the internet and risk it not fitting right or would you generally say that it's best to find hats in stores and at events?

Matt

 

[danofarlington]

Unlucky Feraud.

I was thinking about this the other day. Obviously the internet has a wealth of online-shop sites and no doubt there are many that specialise in vintage hats and other specialist attire. But is it worth taking the risk of buying on the internet and risk it not fitting right or would you generally say that it's best to find hats in stores and at events?

Matt

Internet: Selection fantastic, risk moderate. Stores: Selection not so good, accessibility poor, risk low. Hey, use both! Buy one from a local hat shop if one catches your eye. At least come away from a store with your correct size, and an idea of which styles you want. But as Jay at Greeley Hat Works in Colorado told me on the phone yesterday, in the store you could have two 7 1/8 hats, and they will fit different. So you can't get away from variability in hat sizes, whether from the Internet or a store. Internet except for E Bay will take exchanges for size.

 

[Feraud]

Unlucky Feraud.

I was thinking about this the other day. Obviously the internet has a wealth of online-shop sites and no doubt there are many that specialise in vintage hats and other specialist attire. But is it worth taking the risk of buying on the internet and risk it not fitting right or would you generally say that it's best to find hats in stores and at events?

Matt

On the upside, I purchased four hats from the shop. One of which I a peach/pink-ish Disney.
There are pros and cons to buying in brick and mortar shops or the internet.
I've found it best to keep my eyes open everywhere for an item.

 

[matt_im]

Internet: Selection fantastic, risk moderate. Stores: Selection not so good, accessibility poor, risk low. Hey, use both! Buy one from a local hat shop if one catches your eye. At least come away from a store with your correct size, and an idea of which styles you want. But as Jay at Greeley Hat Works in Colorado told me on the phone yesterday, in the store you could have two 7 1/8 hats, and they will fit different. So you can't get away from variability in hat sizes, whether from the Internet or a store. Internet except for E Bay will take exchanges for size.

Good idea! You can sometimes get a better rate on the internet anyway, particular if you shop around a bit....like you said as long as you know your size, you can't go far wrong!

Matt

 

[danofarlington]

Good idea! You can sometimes get a better rate on the internet anyway, particular if you shop around a bit....like you said as long as you know your size, you can't go far wrong!

Matt

Yes, I've bought most of my hats on the Internet, including a couple on E Bay. It mostly worked out OK. It's just something to get used to. But you just can't get the selection out of stores, and so though I patronize them, my expectations from any particular store are not high that I'll see something that grabs me. But I've moved on from being really nervous about Internet buying, to more casual. The photos do a pretty good job of reflecting what the hat is, and after you have a sense of the kind of thing that works for you, you can go at it more confidently.

 

[Neophyte]

Not to mention that there's probably someone on the Lounge who's bought that hat before you!

 

[dnjan]

Internet hat purchase risk

For me the two biggest risks with online hat purchases have been cigarette stench and packing. Unfortunately, many vintage hats were worn by smokers, and it takes a long time to get rid of that smell. Or double the cost of the hat by having it sent out for cleaning.
And then there is the seller who thinks that wadding a bunch of newspaper around a hat is good enough. Or, my favourite, the seller who crams a rigid hat (bowler or homburg) into a box that is smaller than the hat.

Still, the risks seem worth it for that mint-condition vintage hat in the correct size ...